The Pascagoula democrat-star. (Pascagoula, Miss.) 1878-1920, 1887-06-24
THE GREAT MIssIssIPPIAN.

! MISSISSIPPI mas produced many
eminent men since her admission
into the Union, but none 80 promi-
nent IN politics or in war as Jeffer.
son Davis.
| Jefferson Davis was born OH the
3rd day of June, 1903, 10 Christian
County, Kentucky. While quite
young his father moved to Missis-
sippi. After receiving IA common
school education he was sent to
Pennsylvania UniveIity, KY, where
lie remained until the age of six.
teen. In 1924 he was appointed
cadet to West Point. Among his
classmates were r. L. Lee, Joseph
Il. Johnston, Albert Sydney, Leon
idas Polk, Jno. B. Magru0er and
others who have since earned dis
tinction. Ordinary merit could not
have commanded in such an array
of talent and character the position
that Dawes held is a cadet. He
graduated in June, 1928 receiving
tue customary Appointment OF Bre.
vet Second Lieutenant.
Lieut.. Davis served with especial
distinction IN the Black Hawk war,
and i'll the expedition in the North
west against the COmaucheS,
Pawnees and other Indian tribes.
In 1886 he resigned his commission
ana retiring 10 Mississippi devoted
his time to the cultivation Of cotton
and TO the aSSidlOus parsnlt of let
terS. Not Tong after his reSigna-
ton he married the daughter of
Col. Zackery Taylor under whose
eyes he was destined in few years
to win immortal renown upon the
fields of Mexico. Living upon his
plantation III great secluSion he
devoted himself with zeal aud en-
thusiasm to those studies which
were to qualify him for the eminent
position in politics which he had
resolved to assume, and which he
afterwards attained. There is not
in American biography an Instance
of more thorough preparation, OF
more ample intellectual discipline
aud elaborate education for pOliti-
cal life.
In 1916 Mr.. Davis was elected to
the House OF representatives, and
from that day began his useful and
brilliant Legislative career. When
any new member made his first
speech john Quincy Adams had a
habit of obserN ing him very closely.
He would sit near them, closely eye
ing aud atteutively listening If the
speech pleased him, but quickly
leaving it it did not. When Mr..
Davis arose the exPresldent took
seat near by. Davis proceeded
aud Adams did not move. AT the
close of the speech the "Old Man
Eloquent" crossed to some friends
and said: "That young man, gen
tlemen, is no ordinary man. He
will make his mark yet, mind me.'
How well he prophesied everybody
knows. Mr.. Davis was chosen com
mander of the first regiment of Mis-
sissippi Volunteers and was soon
on the fields of Mexico. Mr.. Davis
Is born soldier-hiS life proves
this. His name is inseperable from
those of Monterey and Buena
Vista in the Mexican war. The
hero OF Bueua Vista in less thsn
TWO months after his return from
Mexico he was chosen Senator from
Mississippi. When Franklin Pierce
was elected President Of the United
States Mr.. Davis was appointed
Secretary of War in which position
he proved himself most efficient.
He was again elected Senator from
aud continued to repre-
sent that State until its withdrawal
from the Union. As bad been fore
seen Abraham Lincoln was in No
vember 1860, elected President of
the Umted States. When the
Southern States, one after the other
from the Union aud es-
tabllshed u government of their
Dwn, Mr.. Davis, on account OF his
abilities as a statesman, his expe.
perience as IA soldier; his stainless
moral character, aud his knowledge
Of the affairs of the navy aud army
Of the United States, was chosea
10 the highest position that his
,ountrymen could bestOw on him,
that OF President of the Conteder-
ate States. And how well he filed
80 important position Is seen in the
ability with which he managed The
lffairs of the government OF the
States. Through bis
the South was able 10
against the overwhelming
resources OF the North
for four long years.
Ia 1865 when the SUI Of the Con
rederacy bad set, aud all was lost ]
but honor, be was captured aud IN.
,arcerated in Fortress Monoe, aud
as the yieariOus sufferer tor bis {
people, he quaIled not His lofty !
character remained untarnished, 9
ind amidst the gloon of those dark {
laws bis grand sprit sbOue forth {
With brighter rays. he was finally
eleaspd, but was deprived his citi- {
enship. He made q tour through
Janada aud Europe, aud returning
far a few Years refirpd 10 nriyafn {